The White House has long been saying President Obama wants a health care bill on his desk this year.
That’s the messaging used by the DNC’s Organizing for America, pro-health reform groups and, as Brian reported this week, the Democratic leadership is prepared to work “right through Christmas.”
A reporter today asked White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs about the lag as the Senate debates its version of the bill.
“Given that it took four days to vote on the first two amendments in the health care bill do you think realistically you’re looking at a date closer to the state of the union for a bill?” the reporter asked in the morning gaggle.
“I’m not going to wiggle on a date,” Gibbs said.
TPMDC followed up asking Gibbs about the First Family’s annual Hawaiian vacation. The dates aren’t public yet, but Obama will be in the Aloha state for a good chunk of time in late December.
“If the bill is passed the president would be happy to sign it in Hawaii – I could think of any number of picturesque locations,” Gibbs said.
Late Update: Gibbs said the next day, “We can all do our jobs wherever we need to do our jobs.”
